Vans Sk8-Hi is inspiring creative individuals

Vans have become a building block in just about every permutation of the creative's wardrobe. Originally worn strictly by Southern California surfers and skaters, the SoCal canvas has since become the go-to sneaker for every other style tribe and sub-culture on the planet. 

Look around, Vans aren't just for salty beach bros anymore, and with a multicultural and multigenerational reach the brand extends from the coast of Costa Mesta to the streets of Joburg. To prove the versatility of Vans, specifically the classic style #38, we linked up with five Joburgers creating culture and invited them to interpret the Vans Sk8-Hi in their own unique way. 

Photographer Chisanga Mubanga and stylist Boogy Maboi picked the motley crew based on how the sneakers would amplify each of their unique styles, as opposed to interrupting anything, and shooting at a skatepark in Troyeville, outside flats in Fordsburg and a barber shop in Melrose, the crew flexed their creative expression, showing off their personal style and interpreting Vans' Sk8-Hi to tell their own stories. 

Scroll down to see how it's possible to put a fresh spin on a 40-year-old classic, with new streetwear looks bringing to life the creative spirit that has connected Vans with artists, athletes, musicians and designers for decades.  

Who are you, what do you do and how does this define you? 
I'm Nkuli, @nkuleyy, a character model who always tries to incorporate my personality into my work.

How do you assert your identity?
Self obsession. I think I love myself too much and document every part of me. It could be a painting, song or picture. All my art is inclusive of my identity.

How does Vans and the Sk8-Hi in particular work with your aesthetic?
My style is hard to describe. I love the grunge era, Vans are a big part of 90s skate culture and I think I'm a retro grunge superstar. I'm wearing beige Vans dungaree because what says 'soft goth' more than a dungaree and a pair of Sk8-Hi Vans?

The generations before yours mainly consumed culture, how are you creating it?
Queercore is a subculture that has no rules, so I get to experiment with different looks and be a part of all culture while still very much committed to one. I think I'm creating culture by merging it, because everything has been done already so we merge our ideas with other culture creators to create something new and even more powerful. 

Who are you, what do you do and how does this define you?
Existential much? Hi, I’m Megs, @in_no_rush, an explorer that currently makes a living as a freelance designer. Being spoilt for choice and opportunities since arriving in Johannesburg in 2016, I have had the pleasure of having a hand in the local art industry and from this have been edging my way towards film. 

How do you flex your creativity?
Photographing and documenting abstract moments that I come across. These often spark other ideas in my work, stringing together day-to-day narratives. Currently these can only be found on Instagram. I guess I create intimate distractions for myself and others. #noshame

How does Vans and the Sk8-Hi in particular work with your aesthetic?
They make me drop my preciousness and encourage me to push through my day in a way that will collect scuffs and marks to make them more mine. They collect stories for me.

What are you wearing with your Vans Sk8-Hi?
A mix of hella 'biz' pants and bordering-on-pyjamas tee. I got both on my first Johannesburg thrift mission. Who knows what the hell happened in them before.

Discuss the whims of the trend cycle, what you think will fall out of favour and which classics will stand the test of time?
The trend cycle is a ruthless game that I don’t think needs to be referred beyond comfort and experience. I always go with the notion that people never forget how you made them feel. We’re in an exciting space of brands discussing interchangeability and the beauty in what were once described as flaws. I see these celebrations as a milestone amongst the ongoing flux of colour, prints, shapes and sizes that should only be seen as options to explore in navigating one’s own interchangeable flair.

Who are you, what do you do and how does this define you?
My name is Itumeleng Solar Baloyi, @solarisitu, a creative who creates digital content. What I do and who I am are not separate. Life requires intention and creativity in order for one to be remotely successful.

How do you flex your creativity?
Being authentic and telling my own stories.

Describe your style and how Vans and the Sk8-Hi in particular work with your aesthetic.
My style is relaxed and fun but also very dependent on my mood. I am super versatile and you never know how I'm going to look when I show up. I enjoy colour and layers and make everything work. Vans are fun and versatile, which my style is, and I can wear my Vans with my baggy jeans or a flowing maxi dress. 

Why do you think Vans is the preferred sneaker of artists, musicians, designers and other creatives?
I don't know about the reach to be honest. For me, Vans was always a skater sneaker that could fit into everyone's lifestyle. From a guy in the hood to a model attending her castings, it's classic, it fits and it will never get tired because it's simple and does not require much from you in order to rock it.

As a catalyst of a cultural revolution, how are you using your position in society to affect change?
Wellness is a big thing for me, and I am aware of how so many of us are dealing with anxiety and depression. I am using my knowledge of meditation to affect change in that sphere. By defining what culture means for me and making my own rules and rituals. 

Who are you, what do you do and how does this define you?
Lebo Tkay Modise, @Tkayskateswasted, a skateboarder and visual artist. I dunno, I guess you see my personality through my skating? Skateboarding has opened me up to other arts like photography and film.

How does Vans and the Sk8-Hi in particular work with your aesthetic?
It's just a cool shoe to skate that goes with anything I wear. I'm usually in black jeans and a black tucked in tee when I skate. I want to be comfortable and the Sk8-Hi is that.

Why do you think Vans is the preferred sneaker of artists, musicians, designers and other creatives?
Style is a way of expressing your taste. It's not about what you wear, its the way you wear it. Because its been around for so long it's probably the most worn sneaker. I feel like everything has its time but then it finds its way back. Anything that is authentic is timeless and will always be relevant. They look good and are cozy. I could go on and on...

Discuss the versatility, value and vast reach of this 40-year-old sneaker.
I mean it's a skate shoe but also an everyday shoe, you get me? Like, I could skate in these and later take my mom out for supper and still be fresh.

As a catalyst of a cultural revolution, how are you using your position in society to affect change?
I'm trying to show people younger than me to push whatever it is they want to achieve and do what they love. To stay away from drugs and just be the best you can be. When I started skating I was looked upon as an outcast, but things have changed, skateboarding has grown and people see it differently now. But yeah, just giving back and trying to create something different to what everyone else is doing.

Who are you, what do you do and how does this define you?
Jonny Razor, @jonnyrazor, a barber and Vinyl DJ. Barbering goes hand-in-hand with many things I love like rock-n-roll , fashion and classic dude-things.

How do you flex your creativity? 
Through my personal style, classic old school hairstyles and collecting art and tattoos. 

How does Vans and the Sk8-Hi in particular work with your aesthetic? 
I'm into greaser rockabilly style, but am also a bit of a chameleon. From the sokkie-jol to the moshpit to the opera, I will be there having a time. The kicks can take me from the barber shop via skateboard to the bar, then to the floor and more, while always complementing my inner 80s kid, old-school, classic punk rock steez 

Why do you think Vans is the preferred sneaker of artists, musicians, designers and other creatives?  
It's a classic shoe thats fits any aesthetic, and has a long lineage of subcultures. It has an ability to adapt to any style and is a legendary shoe that's catered to all in terms of shapes, patterns, flavours and colours. People need practical items and Vans makes shoes that will stand the test of time for every walk of life. It's a simple classic design, and in a time where fashion fads come and go, Vans are standardised style that will never go out of fashion.

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